Orthopedic Surgery Changes in 2008: Part 1 of 2 (December 2007)

Why This Topic Matters

It helps readers understand which orthopedic CPT updates were introduced for 2008 and which codes were moved between CPT appendices or status categories, which can affect code selection and reporting workflow.

Article Sections

1. December 2007 pages 1-2

   Publication framing for the CPT Assistant update and the page range covered by this installment.

2. Orthopedic Surgery Changes in 2008: Part 1 of 2

   Overview of selected orthopedic surgery updates in CPT 2008, including newly established codes and changes involving code status in the CPT codebook.

3. New Code for Surgical Placement of Needles or Catheters Into Muscle or Soft Tissue

   Discussion of a new orthopedic-related code and related cross-references, along with a clinical example and procedure narrative.

4. Change in Modifier 51, Multiple Procedures, Exempt Status

   Summary of changes affecting modifier 51 exempt codes, including code relocations and a discussion of add-on code status versus exempt status.

5. New Codes for Computer Navigation for Musculoskeletal Procedures

   Introduction of new add-on codes for musculoskeletal computer navigation and related references to imaging-based guidance categories.

6. New Code for Therapeutic Temporomandibular Joint Manipulation

   A new temporomandibular joint manipulation code and the general clinical purpose of distinguishing therapeutic from diagnostic use.

7. New Spinal Osteotomy Codes for Posterior or Posterolateral Approach, Three Columns

   Creation of spinal osteotomy codes for three-column procedures, including region distinctions, add-on coding context, and a clinical example with procedure description.